Theo Corbeanu earns Canada recall as Toronto FC forward replaces injured duo

Toronto FC forward Theo Corbeanu is back with the Canadian men’s national team after being called into the squad ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against the United States. Canada Soccer announced Monday that Corbeanu and Minnesota United FC’s Marcus Caldeira have joined the group for the current international window.

Corbeanu and Caldeira step in for injured Larin and Buchanan

The late changes come after injuries to two of Canada’s established attackers. Cyle Larin experienced back irritation in the lead-up to Saturday’s friendly against Peru, while Tajon Buchanan picked up a lower-body injury following a tackle during that match.

Both players have now departed camp. Larin has returned to Southampton FC, and Buchanan has gone back to Villarreal CF for further assessment. Their departures opened the door for Corbeanu and Caldeira to link up with the national team for the upcoming meeting with the United States.

International return for Corbeanu, first call for Caldeira

Corbeanu, a 24-year-old from Burlington, Ont., has scored two goals in seven career appearances for Canada. His last outing for the national team came in 2022 in a friendly against Uruguay, so this call-up gives him a fresh chance to re-establish himself in the senior setup.

At club level, Corbeanu is in his second season with Toronto FC. He has recorded two goals in 14 MLS matches this year, form that now earns him another opportunity on the international stage as Canada navigates injuries to key forwards.

For Marcus Caldeira of Minnesota United FC, this is a milestone moment as he joins the Canadian senior team for the first time. His inclusion, alongside the returning Corbeanu, bolsters Canada’s attacking options at the end of the window, with the squad needing depth to compensate for the absences of Larin and Buchanan against the United States.

With Corbeanu back in the fold and Caldeira making his debut appearance in camp, Canada gains two additional attacking options as it closes out this international break against a major regional rival.